After class in the afternoon, I received my handmade ceramic mug.A drawing of two children was on the light blue mug. The tall one was a boy of about ten years old, and the short one was a girl with two braids. He was holding her hand while she was talking to him with her head tilted up. He showed a gentle and indulgent smile.That was my clearest memory of Colin when I was about five.I cleaned the mug, put it on the table, and admired it. I even took out my phone and took a few photos as I waited for Colin to receive his gift. After that, I could post the photos on WhatsApp Status to show off.The coursework here wasn't as much as it was at Lincoln University. Our tutor often took us to places with unique scenery or historical heritage. He would also let us read classics and poems and conduct research based on our different perspectives. Our creations contributed to our academic scores. On Friday morning, 17 of us followed our tutor to visit the tomb of a princess. It was mo
There was a seemingly abandoned gazebo on the side of the gate of the factory area. I sat on the steps of the gazebo and waited for Matthew.After waiting for half an hour, he still hadn't arrived. It even started to rain heavily, The rain came so fierce and sudden. I didn't bring an umbrella, so I had to seek cover in the gazebo.The dark clouds were heavy. The vendors had already run off with their equipment, leaving me alone.What happened that year had left me with a trauma of heavy rain. My parents and Colin would never let me face the thunder alone.But the door to the factory was tightly closed. Even when I knocked on it hard, no one answered me. The lightning above was flickering across the clouds, and the exposed gazebo was crumbling under the attack of wind and rain.I suddenly remembered the desperate moment when I stood at the bottom of a well while covered with wounds. Fear instantly enveloped me, and my head began to hurt. I was so panicked that I didn't know what
Matthew threw himself beside my bed anxiously. "Lulu, are you feeling better? Sorry, I didn't expect this to happen. There was something wrong with the plan, and it was very urgent. I had to discuss the solution, and... "Lulu, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. You know that. I wouldn't hurt you."He looked terrible—his suit was torn, one eye was swollen, and his lips were bleeding. His chin was also covered with stubble. His eyes were full of anxiety and helplessness.Felix stood far away at the door. Seeing that I was fine, he seemed to take a long breath and smiled slightly at me."Lulu, can you please say something? It's my fault. You can hit me or scold me, just don't ignore me."Matthew held my hand, his eyes turning red with anxiety. I wanted to withdraw my hand, but my body was so weak that I had no strength."How did I get here?" I asked him hoarsely. My throat was dry, and my head was dizzy. It felt as if I was standing in the clouds.He was about to speak w
Felix glanced at me with his phone in hand. He was visibly torn about whether to answer the call. In the whole world, only Lilac could put Felix in such a dilemma."Go back. I'm fine. Don't worry, I'll call you if anything comes up."Felix left, but not before repeatedly reminding me to call him if I needed anything.I agreed, but I knew I wouldn't do that. He probably understood that too. Given my stubborn nature, I wouldn't turn to him no matter what, hence his repeated reminders."Lulu, you didn't eat last night or this morning. You must be hungry. What would you like to eat? I'll go get it for you." Matthew sat beside me. He was guilt-ridden like a schoolboy who had erred. He continuously muttered apologies.Truth be told, I didn't blame him. I had no expectations for him to begin with. So, I had no grounds to feel resentful.However, this incident somewhat diluted my desire to give him a chance.Matthew tried to hold my hand several times when he sensed my coldness, but I
I couldn't predict the future. But at that moment, I couldn't remain indifferent to a man's tears. This man had harbored feelings for me since high school. And I had already decided to give both him and myself a chance.Perhaps I was slightly disappointed in him, but it wasn't to the extent of me wanting to shut him out completely.I had always been too kind-hearted.Matthew might have faced a genuine emergency. I chose to believe the incident was just an accident.Seeing how sincere he was, I would give him one more chance. Just this once!He couldn't stop talking about his regrets and fears. He went on about how hurt and guilty he felt seeing me unconscious on the hospital bed. He didn't seem to hear me at all.I didn't continue to speak. I quietly listened to his ramblings with a smile in my eyes.Suddenly, he stiffened. It was as if he had come to a realization and quickly sat up to look into my eyes.At that moment, I saw sheer ecstasy in his red eyes.Tears were still li
Colin soothed me patiently for a long time. Each word he said brought me comfort. He cheered me up, making me go from crying to laughing. I no longer dwelled on the previous night's events."Colin, did you receive the birthday gift I sent you?" I asked."Yes, I called you as soon as I received it. Did you make this by hand? It's beautiful. I really like it." Colin's voice was deep and slightly hoarse. His eyes sparkled as if two lamps were burning within."Yes, I made two. Yours is dark blue, and mine is light blue. Did you see the two little figures? The taller one is you and the shorter one is me.""So, I guessed right. You've been a little rascal since you were young. Remember when you wanted to catch dragonflies and asked Aunt Harper? She was busy, so I took you out. "Right, I was the one who put on your coat and tied your hair into little braids. But it was my first time doing a girl's hair, so it didn't turn out very pretty.""Colin, you remember it so well, and I rememb
"Wouldn't having your grandma move here be more convenient?" I suggested.Matthew sat at the head of my bed. He scooped up a spoonful of cornflakes and brought it to my lips. "That's exactly what I think too, but Grandma doesn't agree. She's been in Southsville since she was young and doesn't want to leave, insisting she'll be buried there. "What she really can't part with, I believe, is the house. She had chosen it with Grandpa. For her, the house makes it feel like Grandpa is still around.""How's your grandmother doing now...?" I took the bowl to eat by myself. Matthew didn't try to take it back but set up a small table on the hospital bed. He said softly, "Grandma's wish has been fulfilled.""I'm sorry, I didn't know.""She passed away last winter. I laid her to rest next to Grandpa so that they could be together forever. I think that made her happy." Matthew was raised by his grandmother. He had a deep bond with her. He was enveloped in sorrow when he spoke of his gran
I told myself this as I headed to my room on the third floor. Despite the elevator in the building, I almost always took the stairs. One reason was that the floor wasn't too high, so it wouldn't be too tiring. Another reason was that I had hardly exercised in recent years, so I decided to treat the daily climb as a workout.Just as I turned into the stairwell, I heard someone speak in a melancholic tone, "How sweet and tender! How far have you guys gone?"I knew from the voice alone it was Helen. It was dripping with sarcasm."Where did this century-old green-eyed monster come from? It reeks of jealousy!"I turned around, fanned my nose, and made a face as if the smell was unbearable. This infuriated her, and she lost her composure. I burst out laughing after mercilessly teasing her."You little bitch, who are you calling old?" She tried to hit me by swinging her expensive little purse at me. I dodged, tickled her, and then ran upstairs.I was tall and had long legs, which